AFRICAN-AMERICAN POETS

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar

http://www.dunbarsite.org/

Born 1872 in Dayton, Ohio First African-American poet to gain

national recognition. Popular with both black and white

readers Used both Standard English Diction and

1900’s African-American Diction Poem to be studied in this class: “We

Wear the Mask”

Claude McKay

Claude McKay

http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/25

Born in Jamaica in 1889 Taught by his brother who had a collection of

English novels, poem collections, and scientific books

Poems, passion, and poetic success helped lead to the rise of the Harlem Rennisance.

Poems often reflect an African-American dialect and the effects of living a early 1900’s African-American lifestyle.

Poem to be studied in class: “If We Must Die”

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

http://mayaangelou.com/bio/

Born on April 4th, 1928 in St. Louis Raised in Stamps Arkansas

Faced hostile racial discrimination Found strength in faith-driven, high value

African-American community and culture After a lifetime of various jobs (cable-car

driver, waitress, singer and dancer) Angelou moved to Harlem, New York.

Led African-American centered organizations, published internationally acclaimed novels and poems, and even served for two presidential committees.

Poem to be studied in class: Alone

Alice Walker

Alice Walker

http://www.biography.com/people/alice-walker-9521939?page=2

Born February 9th, 1944 in Eatonville, Georgia Shot in the eye with a BB gun

Spent her time in her room, studying and reading Worked as a social worker, teacher, and

lecturer Fought for social equality in the 1960’s

Continued fight for equality as part of African-American Feminist movement

Most famous work is The Color Purple which has been turned into a movie and a play

Poem studied in class: Before You Knew You Owned It

Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks

http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/165

Born in Topeka, Kansas in 1917. First African-American poet to win Pulitzer Prize. 13 years old when her first poem, “Eventide”,

was published. A strong social activist, especially 1960’s and

after Most of her poems politically/socially driven Earlier works focused on living as an African-

American Women in American Later works became more political on African-

American equality as a whole Poem studied in class: One Wants a Teller in a

Time Like This

Common Elements

Use of language as a tool Mixing dialects/using a dialect for purpose

Community Double-speak Double-Conciousness Themes

Living as African-American in US Politics Social Commentary Equality